By the Power of Grayskull

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

My brother and I used to play He-Man from the original series. I was usually He-Man, the power of being the older sibling, Boom. :)

The History

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (MOTU) made its television debut on September 5, 1983. Created by Filmation, a company renowned for its work in animated television series, He-Man was a groundbreaking show in several ways. It was the first syndicated animated series aimed at children and aired on weekday afternoons, an unusual slot at the time. This strategy was instrumental in setting a new standard for animated programming. 

The series was conceived as a marketing vehicle for Mattel’s toy line, which had been struggling initially. However, the show’s success turned things around dramatically. The original series ran for two seasons and had 130 episodes.

In 1987, after the cartoon's success, a live-action movie starring Dolph Lundgren and Courtney Cox. Unfortunately, the film didn’t garner anything like the animation had produced, with poor box office sales.

Over the years, He-Man has seen several revivals and reboots, including the 2002 series by Mike Young Productions, the 2021 Netflix series Masters of the Universe: Revelation by Kevin Smith, and a CGI adaptation on Netflix aimed at a younger audience.

The Characters 

He-Man/Prince Adam:  Prince Adam transforms into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, by raising his Sword of Power and proclaiming, "By the power of Grayskull!" He-Man is known for his superhuman strength, courage, and unwavering sense of justice.

Skeletor: The primary antagonist is Skeletor, a blue-skinned sorcerer with a skull for a face. His primary goal is to conquer Castle Grayskull and gain the secrets to rule the universe. Skeletor wields the Havoc Staff and is notorious for his cunning plans and maniacal laughter.

Evil-Lyn is a cunning sorceress and Skeletor's second-in-command in He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Known for her powerful magic and intelligence, she often plots her schemes while serving Skeletor. Her ambition and occasional rebelliousness add depth to her character, making her one of the series' most intriguing and formidable villains.

Teela: Captain of the Royal Guard and adopted daughter of Man-At-Arms, is a skilled warrior and one of He-Man’s closest allies. Known for her bravery and leadership, she often uses a sword and shield in battle.

Man-At-Arms, also known as Duncan, is the loyal mentor to Prince Adam and a father figure to Teela. An inventor and master of weapons, he uses his technological expertise to support He-Man in battle and often wields a mace.

Orko: a diminutive, floating magician from Trolla, is known for his good intentions and magical mishaps. Despite his clumsiness, he is a beloved and loyal team member, often providing comic relief and surprising assistance.

The Plotlines

He-Man’s episodes typically revolve around the ongoing battle between the forces of good, led by He-Man, and the evil schemes of Skeletor and his minions. Common themes include:

A common Plotline is one of Good vs. Evil. The central theme is that He-Man defends Eternia from Skeletor’s relentless attempts to seize power in this eternal battle of good and evil.

Each episode weaves a moral lesson into it, but the show also ends with a moral lesson typically based on honesty, bravery, and friendship for the audience.

All this is woven into fantasy and adventure, rich with magical creatures, ancient secrets, and fantastic landscapes. The show transports viewers to a world where anything is possible.

Famous People

Several notable figures have been associated with He-Man. Lou Scheimer, a co-founder of Filmation, not only produced the series but also voiced several characters. Kevin Smith, a renowned filmmaker, spearheaded the 2021 reboot, bringing a new wave of attention to the franchise.

Additionally, high-profile fans include actor and professional wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who has admired the series and its impact on his childhood. Personally, I think The Rock would make a great He-Man should it be lined up for another reboot.

Popular Culture

"I have the power!"

He-Man has had a significant impact on popular culture. The phrase "I have the power!" has become iconic, symbolising empowerment and strength. The character's influence extends to various media, including comic books, video games, and live-action adaptations. He-Man’s muscle-bound physique and heroic persona have also influenced the portrayal of superheroes and action figures.

The series has evolved to reflect societal changes, with newer adaptations addressing contemporary issues and featuring more diverse characters. The 2021 series Masters of the Universe: Revelation took a more mature approach, appealing to long-time fans and new audiences.

Spin-Offs and Related Work

He-Man’s success led to numerous spin-offs and related works:

• She-Ra: Princess of Power: Premiering in 1985, this series focuses on He-Man’s twin sister, Princess Adora, who transforms into She-Ra. The show was well-received and spawned its merchandise along with moving on to more popular development. Full disclosure: it’s She-Ra next week.

• Comics and Books: Various comic book series and novels have expanded the lore of Eternia, delving into character backstories and new adventures.

• Merchandise: He-Man’s influence is evident in various merchandise, from action figures and playsets to apparel and bedding. The original toy line saw massive success, with over 70 million action figures sold by 1986.

  

  Financials

The financial success of He-Man is notable. The original toy line generated over $400 million in revenue in its peak year of 1986. The show’s syndication model also proved lucrative, with widespread distribution increasing its audience and merchandise sales. Subsequent reboots and merchandise continue to contribute to the franchise’s profitability.

Legacy

The legacy of He-Man is enduring. As one of the pioneers of syndicated animated series, it set a precedent for future shows. Its blend of action, fantasy, and moral storytelling has inspired countless other series and remains a cherished part of many childhoods. He-Man’s impact on toy marketing strategies is particularly significant, demonstrating the powerful synergy between media and merchandise that has been used repeatedly.

Fun Facts

1. First Mini-Comics: Early He-Man action figures came with mini-comics that introduced the characters and storyline, predating the animated series.

2. Voice Talent: Many voice actors in the original series, including John Erwin (He-Man) and Alan Oppenheimer (Skeletor), voiced multiple characters.

3. The New Gods—He-Man: in the comic book editions, crossed over with DC New Gods, which supported our hero's longevity over time.

Conclusion

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe remains a seminal work in animation. Its innovative approach to syndication, rich character development, and successful integration with products and tie-ins are testaments to how animation was changed by this cartoon.